This year we are celebrating the City of South Portland’s 125th anniversary (1898-2023)! In 1898, through adoption of a Charter, the Town of South Portland became the current City of South Portland. That makes this the City's quasquicentennial, for the folks who like fun words! Check out the great lineup of events below. More will be added, so check back often!
Events
The City's yearlong series of events kicks off in May of 2023 and includes:
May 19-20 – SpringFest: An epic gnome-themed spring festival in Knightville and Mill Creek Park cohosted by the City of South Portland and the South Portland Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club. Learn more at: https://spspringfest.com
Schedule:
- Friday, May 19 at 7 PM - Gnomes @ Knight Street Party in Thomas Knight Park. DJ, dancing, games, crafts, live marching band, food trucks and more!
- Saturday, May 20, starting at 11 AM - SpringFest at Mill Creek Park. Art, entertainment, cornhole tournament, "Little Knomes" play area, maker faire.
June 19 - Juneteenth Celebration: The South Portland Human Rights Commission invites you to the annual celebration and observance of Juneteenth at Redbank Community Center on Monday, June 19 from 1-5 PM. Gather together and celebrate the abolition of slavery in America. Additional details will be announced.
June 21 – Skatepark Grand Opening: Join us on national 'Go Skateboard Day' as we celebrate the grand opening of the completed South Portland Skatepark! We'll have a ribbon cutting, Highroller Food Truck, music, skate demo, and giveaways.
July 4 – 4th of July Celebration at Bug Light Park: Celebrate the 4th with the City of South Portland! Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs as well as a picnic, or grab dinner from one of the food trucks that will be on-site. Music and activities will be available while attendees await the fireworks show being set off across the water at Portland's East End.
Tentative Schedule
- 5:30-7:00 PM: Arrival, kids activities, food trucks
- 6:00-8:00 PM: Live music from Delta Knights
June-August – Mill Creek Concert Series: Spend Wednesday evenings in Mill Creek Park with live music throughout the summer. Bring a blanket and grab a picnic dinner from one of the many local restaurants! Music starts at 6:30 PM. Follow along on Facebook for any weather-related cancellations.
- June 28 - Downeast Brass
- July 12 - Andi Fawcett
- July 19 - Stone Broke Music
- July 26 - Studio Two (Rain date: July 31)
- August 2 - Country Roads
June-August – West End Picnic & Concert Series: This series brings a fun evening of music and yard games with free picnic dinner for all attendees. Picnic dinner is provided through partnership with the Neighborhood Hub, Opportunity Alliance, and Wayside. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the evening. Location: Redbank Community Center Outdoor Fields & Gazebo, 95 MacArthur Circle W. Follow along on Facebook for any weather-related cancellations.
- June 13 - The FLUKES (5:30 PM)
- July 18 - Ideal Maine Band (5:30 PM)
- August 1 - Maine Marimba Ensemble, part of National Night Out (6 PM)
See the event flyer in: English - French - Portuguese - Spanish
July 19 – Movie in the Park at Bug Light Park: Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars at Bug Light Park! This event is held in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce who will have opportunities to win raffle prizes. (Rain date: July 25)
August 1 – Movie in the Park at Redbank: Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a movie under the stars at the Redbank Community Center Gazebo! This event is held in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce who will have opportunities to win raffle prizes. National Night Out activities with the Police Department take place starting at 6 PM, and the movie starts at 8 PM. (No rain date)
August 1 – National Night Out: Get to know the South Portland Police and many other community organizations who will have games and activities available. Stay tuned for more information on basketball clinics for all ages led by South Portland Police’s own Officer Ibrahima Camara! Location: Redbank Community Center Outdoor Fields & Gazebo, 95 MacArthur Circle W.
Tentative Schedule
- 6 PM - Event begins with live music, free picnic dinner, and kids activities
- 8 PM - Outdoor movie begins
August 12 – Art in the Park at Mill Creek Park: The 42nd Annual South Portland Art in the Park Show & Sale will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 in Mill Creek Park from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. This year’s sold out show will feature 170 artists, kids activities with the South Portland Public Library and Portland Museum of Art, food court with many food truck options, and live music through the afternoon. In addition to the 170 artists, the show will feature art from South Portland students in the Student Art tent! Learn more at: https://www.artintheparkmaine.com
September 6 – Bug Light Car Show: The Bug Light Car Show draws over 200 car enthusiasts who display their vehicles and hundreds of attendees to come view them. Food trucks are on site to provide dinner.
October 14 – Fire Prevention Week Fire Dept. Open House: More info coming soon!
October – Halloween Trunk or Treat: Date and more info coming soon!
December 1 – Holiday Tree Lighting at Mill Creek Park: More info coming soon!
February 21 – South Portland Business Awards: More info coming soon!
More events and info coming soon! Check back for more info.
Dates are subject to change. Follow us on social media for updates.